City profile
Watertown, SD
Codington County · Population 23,044
Watertown is a town in Codington County, SD with about 23,044 residents and a typical home value near $229,000. It is 45 miles from Brookings, SD, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
13°F
Summer avg
72°F
Sunny days / yr
205
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$229,400
Typical monthly housing
$1,456
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
84
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.10%
- State income tax (top)
- None
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 6.11%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 62/100
Top hazards: Ice storm, Winter weather, Cold wave
Nearest major airport
193 mi to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field (MSP)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 28% Democratic / 69% Republican
Community
Population
23,044
Black population
1.3%
County
Codington County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸SD is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: extreme cold, hail
Highlights
- About 23,044 residents
- Typical home value about $229,000
- 45 miles from Brookings, SD
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.